The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi delivered a speech to the people, addressing the ongoing Turkish aggression against the North-East Syrian regions. He urged the people to intensify their struggle to repel these attacks and protect the Autonomous Administration of North and Eastern Syria (AANES), safeguarding the security and stability of their areas.

In his address, Commander-in-Chief Abdi stated, “For the past four days, the Turkish state has launched unjustified attacks against our regions. These attacks target not only our military forces but also critical infrastructure, service institutions of the Autonomous Administration, and civilian areas. Tragically, these attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of 17 civilians, including only two military personnel. Additionally, 48 civilians, including nine military personnel, have been injured.”

The SDF Commander-in-Chief extended his deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.

Regarding the objectives of the Turkish occupation state, Abdi revealed that, “For five years, the Turkish state has been attempting to occupy more of our lands, but it has not and will not succeed in this endeavor. To undermine security and stability in our areas, they are launching these attacks and persisting in their aggression.”

The SDF Commander-in-Chief emphasized that the primary goal of the Turkish occupation state behind these attacks is to “destroy the Autonomous Administration, undermine security and stability in our areas, and forcibly displacing our people from their cities and villages.” He noted that the Autonomous Administration has not antagonized the Turkish state and has maintained balanced relations with all parties.

“The attacks on our areas target not only our forces and our people, but also the parties and forces that work with us, including the international coalition forces and Russia,” the SDF Commander-in-Chief stated. He pointed out that “the stances of these parties are insufficient, and they should exert more pressure on the Turkish state to compel it to cease its attacks.”

Regarding the pretexts and arguments invoked by the Turkish state to justify its attacks on their areas, Abdi said, “The Turkish state links its attacks on our areas to the recent attack it subjected to in Ankara, claiming that the attackers entered from Syrian territory. I categorically deny any involvement of our forces in this operation. No one from our territory has entered Turkish territory, and the Turkish state cannot provide any evidence to substantiate its claims.”

Abdi emphasized a crucial point, stating, “Our SDF General Command has made a decision not to conduct any military operations on Turkish territory or in Northern Kurdistan. Our primary and sole arena for struggle and military action remains Syria.”

Regarding their stance on the Turkish state, the SDF Commander-in-Chief reiterated their repeated calls for resolving differences through dialogue, especially with the Turkish state. However, he added, “These attacks undermine our efforts for dialogue and pose a threat to it. If the attacks persist, we will be compelled to escalate our legitimate response.”

Mazloum Abdi concluded his speech by addressing the people: “I urge our people not to be deceived by the enemy’s black propaganda that seeks to legitimize these attacks. Instead, our people must intensify their struggle, strengthen their peaceful societal movement against these attacks. Together, we will preserve the Autonomous Administration that was built with the blood our people’s sons and daughters. I assure our people that our SDF are committed to protecting our people from these attacks.”